I've recently become very interested in Buddhism in general as a way of gaining control over my mind and improving my overall peace and happiness and hopefully, through this, the peace and happiness of others as well.

I think my highest priority right now is achieving a mental place I can go to - a reserve of inner peace - when faced with challenges. At first, I thought the best way to do this was to be ordained as a nun, but I'm quickly realizing what an incredible commitment this is and how little I understand what that would really entail. Among many other obstacles that might prevent me from being ordained is the fact that I have a dog who I love to death and I don't believe I could give her up.

So my question is - from a Buddhist perspective, is there a way to achieve this permanent pocket of inner peace without being ordained? I would love to hear opinions. Thanks much.

Through morality, we achieve a state of non-regret, and our mind becomes easeful. This is an important basis for śamatha meditation.

Through śamatha we further stabilize the mind (and yes it is possible to practice as a layperson). Based on śamatha, we can develop vipaśyanā which can uproot our defilements.

A mind that develops bodhicitta also becomes calm as one exchanges self-grasping with concern for others. When there is less self-grasping, we suffer less because we do not constantly judge things in relation to what we personally like and dislike.

Have you read any books on Budhism? You should read a bit, and also see if there are any centers in your area that come well-recommended.

So my question is - from a Buddhist perspective, is there a way to achieve this permanent pocket of inner peace without being ordained? I would love to hear opinions. Thanks much.

I agree with Kevin, the first step would be to learn more and maybe attend some teachings. This may be a good choice to start with https://www.amazon.com/No-Time-Lose-Tim ... 1590304241 The commentary in this book is directed to people who are complete beginners, but there are more detailed and traditional commentaries available too.

I would say that it is not about finding a pocket of inner happiness, but changing how you perceive things. But understanding and practicing the Mahayana leads to real and lasting happiness. Being a monk or nun, though it can be very advantageous under certain circumstances, is not always the best choice and there can be problems in monastic life as well as in worldly life. All kinds of worldly concerns and annoyances exist in monasteries as well, so someone who can be a good practitioner as a monk or nun can also be a good practitioner as a lay person. You can always go for periods of retreat when needed in any case, or choose to be ordained later if good circumstances are in place.

Thanks for your reply. I meditate somewhat regularly, and I think it would be considered samatha meditation. But I could certainly practice more. Reading books and finding a center are great ideas. Thank you.

Through morality, we achieve a state of non-regret, and our mind becomes easeful. This is an important basis for śamatha meditation.

Through śamatha we further stabilize the mind (and yes it is possible to practice as a layperson). Based on śamatha, we can develop vipaśyanā which can uproot our defilements.

A mind that develops bodhicitta also becomes calm as one exchanges self-grasping with concern for others. When there is less self-grasping, we suffer less because we do not constantly judge things in relation to what we personally like and dislike.

Have you read any books on Budhism? You should read a bit, and also see if there are any centers in your area that come well-recommended.

Kevin...

Basically what I was going to post. If you take the very basic's of Buddhism very seriously and practice them very seriously, you will experience quite a bit of peace.